Which Beautiful San Diego Dog Beach is Right for You?

traceytlc

27 Jul, 2023

Which Beautiful San Diego Dog Beach is Right for You?

If you follow my blog, you know Cooper and I love to hit San Diego during the summer when the temperatures soar in the desert. We split our time between North County and Ocean Beach with a jaunt to Coronado from time to time. Coop and I love the beach and have frequented many of the dog-friendly options in the area. Below I compiled a list of what makes each beach unique, so you can find the right San Diego dog beach for you.

A wide view of the mouth of the river at Del Mar North Beach a San Diego Dog Friendly Beach
Cooper smiling on a towel on the sand with gentle waves behind him
Cooper laying in a hole he dug in the sand at Del Mar North Beach

Del Mar North Beach is a North County San Diego Dog Beach

Del Mar North Beach is a favorite in North County. This dog-friendly San Diego dog beach welcomes dogs all year round, but pups must be leashed from June 16 through Labor Day. It sits at the mouth of the San Dieguito River, right across from the Del Mar Racetrack.

Why We Love Del Mar North Beach

  • The wedge-shaped beach has plenty of room for pups to play and humans to lay out.
  • Gentle waves are perfect for Cooper to dip his paws in.
  • The area below the bluffs to the north of the lifeguard tower up to Solana Beach is fun to walk and explore. Be prepared to get your feet wet as the waves come in or jump on the rocks to stay dry.
  • Dogs are the focus at Del Mar North Beach. Just about everyone has a dog, so Cooper finds plenty of new friends to interact with.
  • While I do not partake, the beach has several volleyball courts.

What Could Be Better

  • The only bathrooms are porta potties which is awkward with a dog (I am usually solo).
  • Parking can be a challenge. Metered parking is available along Camino del Mar directly behind the beach and is $15 for the day. Between the bridge and 29th Street, street parking is free. Your best bet is to get there early. If not, then a little patience goes a long way. The good news is I have always been able to find a spot.
  • River currents can be strong. Use caution if your pet likes to swim.
Cooper laying on the sand with his leash at the beach

Cardiff State Beach is Another North County Choice

Cardiff State Beach is between the San Elijo State Beach and camping area and the border of Solana Beach. Dogs are allowed but must always be on a leash.

Why Choose Cardiff State Beach

  • Local surfers flock to Cardiff State Beach known to have some of the best surf breaks in San Diego.
  • The beach is a long strip of sand ideal for taking a walk along the ocean.
  • A large parking lot at the south end of the beach (called Seaside Beach) makes parking more convenient. Fees are $15 for the day.
  • Flush toilets – need I say more?

Things to Know

  • Seaside beach next to the parking lot can be crowded on busy days making it hard to find space on the sand.
  • This beach appears to be more family oriented and less about the dogs. You don’t see dogs playing in groups like you do at other dog beaches in San Diego.
  • There is a second smaller parking lot at Cardiff State Beach closer to the Cardiff by the Sea restaurants. Unless you get there super early, it always packed.
Cooper taking a walk on Del Mar South Beach
A sign marks the beginning of Torrey Pines and the end of Del Mar South Beach.

Del Mar South Beach is a Great San Diego Dog Beach for Walks

The South Beach of Del Mar is located south of Powerhouse Park all the way to Torrey Pines State Park. Leashed dogs are allowed all year long. This beach is below towering cliffs, so you do not see too many people sunbathing, but you will run into plenty of people and their pups enjoying a walk.

Why We Visit Del Mar South Beach

  • It’s roughly a 2-mile walk from Powerhouse Park (the beginning of the dog-friendly zone) to Torrey Pines State Park at 6th Street which makes it easy to get your steps in.
  • Powerhouse and Seagrove Parks overlook South Beach with amazing ocean views and without all the sand. I love reading a book here, and Coop relishes rolling in the grass.
  • Clean restrooms with flush toilets!
  • Downtown Del Mar is a quick five-minute stroll away. We take our walk, relax in the park then head to downtown for lunch and shopping.

Things to Know Before You Go

  • Parking can be expensive. Along the street, the metered parking is reasonable (for the beach). The parking lot across the street from Powerhouse park is $10 per hour (the last time we went). The surrounding neighborhoods offer free street parking, but it is hard to locate.
  • If you find yourself parking away from Powerhouse Park, you may be tempted to cross the train tracks and walk down one of the paths from the cliffs to the beach. Be warned. The paths can be very steep and slippery.
Cooper and a brown dog checking each other out at low tide at Ocean Beach
Cooper standing on the sand at Ocean Beach, a San Diego Dog Beach.
Cooper and two other dogs smelling the sand next to the water with people and dogs in the background.

Ocean Beach is the Granddaddy of All San Diego Dog Beaches

A list of San Diego dog beaches wouldn’t be complete without Ocean Beach. It is one of the first off-leash dog beaches in the United States. Located at the end of West Point Loma and Voltaire Streets, it is a doggy’s paradise. Dogs are allowed to roam without a leash 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What Makes Ocean Beach Special

  • It’s big! The beach is to the right of the parking lot and stretches to the mouth of the San Diego River. There is plenty of room to swim, sunbathe or take a walk.
  • The water is calm due to the rock jetty that separates the river and the entrance to Mission Bay. Even Coop, who is not a fan of water, will wade in a bit to get his paws wet.
  • Everyone there is a dog lover.
  • Picnic tables are in a grassy area to the left of the parking lot.
  • Parking is free. Street parking is also available.
  • Plenty of dog-friendly restaurants are nearby for a quick bite.

What to Be on the Lookout For

  • While parking is free, it is tight, so be on the lookout when pulling in or out of spaces.
  • Bathrooms are available, but not always the cleanest. But, when you got to go, you go to go.
  • Ocean Beach does have a prominent homeless population. I have always found if you leave them alone, they leave you alone.
Cooper in a blue halter on the sand with a brightly colored umbrella and beach goers behind him.

Our Final San Diego Dog Beach is Coronado

Cooper and I have only made it to Coronado Dog Beach once, but are looking to go back soon. It is located on the north end of the beach across from Sunset Park. Dogs are allowed off-leash in the marked areas only. They must be leashed when walking to dog beach and are not allowed in the park.

Why Coronado Dog Beach?

  • Beautiful views of Point Loma and Hotel Del Coronado surround you.
  • It is flat, so no hills to climb.
  • Restrooms and drinking fountains are available. We even saw a doggy wash station.
  • Parking along Ocean Blvd. and on adjacent streets is free. Prepare to park several blocks away though.

Cooper and I hope this list makes it easier to choose the best San Diego Dog Beach for you. Our suggestion? Try them all and give us your thoughts in the comment section below.

Are you heading to Los Angeles with your dog? Then, you must stop at Rosie’s Dog Beach. Find our more here.